Touchstone - No 014 - 1987 07

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 14
Date: July 1987
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group

This issue of "Touchstone" documents a field trip undertaken by the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group to the area of Mother Ludlam's Hole and Waverley Abbey, with a focus on ley lines and local historical sites. It also includes reports on the Kingston Green Fair, the history and theories of the 'Straight Track Club', and personal reflections on earth mysteries research and the concept of 'space people'.

Mother Ludlam's Hole Field Trip

The main article details a successful field trip to Mother Ludlam's Hole, which involved a meeting with the London Earth Mysteries Circle. The primary ley of interest in the area is identified as one linking Sandy Cross cross-roads, Mother Ludlam's Hole, Waverley Abbey, a nearby junction, Millbridge cross-roads, and Frensham church. A weir outside Waverley Abbey was noted to be on this ley, with the age of its water channeling unknown.

The group visited Mother Ludlam's Hole, described as a spectacular cave with a seventeenth-century entrance arch, a trickling stream, and mysterious depths. Two natural fissures at the entrance, aligned with each other but not on the main ley, were also observed. The main cave is large but narrows towards the back.

Following this, a smaller group visited Father Fook's Cave, which was dry and had smaller, possibly man-made alcoves. The article draws a parallel to the 'Mithraic Temple' at Chiddingstone. The presence of three Scots pines above Father Fook's Cave, planted in the seventeenth century, is discussed. Chris Hall suggests these 'ornamental' clumps, common in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, were planted on hilltops to re-mark leys, a theory the author finds plausible.

Chris Hall also provided information on possible origins of the 'Ludlam' name, including Lud the Saxon king and a Saxon word for 'meeting place' or 'loud'. The author favors the 'loud' interpretation, noting the original name was 'Ludwell'. The article mentions the effectiveness of a 'sandjar' for younger people but its diminished efficacy for the author due to health reasons.

The group found a stone near the Millbridge cross-roads, on the ley. The local historical society chairman mentioned that an older stone, which had been removed by the council, had existed at the cross-roads where the ley passed through.

At Frensham church, dedicated to St. Mary, no visual alignment was evident, but the bend in the river confirmed the ley's path. The church, founded in the thirteenth century, featured grotesques and a window depicting St. George and St. Michael, highlighting the church's ley importance.

A 'huge metal bowl' on a trivet, possibly a cauldron, was examined. While the legend suggests a mystical purpose, the church history indicates it was used for ale during 'church ales' in the Middle Ages. The existence of a mineral spring nearby is noted but not evidenced.

The day concluded with a visit to Waverley Abbey ruins and a chat with member Brenda Spinney.

The Evening Part of the Mother Ludlam's Field Trip

Robert Stephenson reports on the evening activities following the joint exploration of Waverley Abbey ruins. After resting by the River Wey, the Surrey Earth Mysteries contingent departed. Chris Hall guided the remaining group to a garden centre for tea and cakes, followed by a visit to tumuli on Frensham Common. The group then proceeded to Stony Jump, described as one of the 'Devil's Jumps', and climbed to its summit for panoramic views. They searched for crevices to contact fairies and watched the sunset.

The Kingston Green Fair

Rob Stephenson also covers the Kingston Green Fair, held in Canbury Park Gardens. The event featured eighty stalls from organizations focused on environmental and conservation issues, including green politics, organic farming, animal protection, human rights, and natural healing. Three places were allocated outside the cafe marquee for earth mysteries representation, with Mary Caine promoting the Glastonbury Terrestrial Zodiac.

The fair offered a wide range of activities, including music, drama, storytellers, dancers, and workshops. A notable performance was Des Kay's 'Bicycle-powered Recycling Machine'. The inaugural ceremony of the 'Save the World Club' was also mentioned, emphasizing a daily commitment to saving the world.

Contributions and Correspondence

Norman Darwen provides additional information about the Stirling University campus, referencing the book "Bridge of Allan - the Rise of a Village". He notes that the campus site was chosen despite being on the Ochil fault line, known for earthquakes. He also mentions a restored standing stone on campus, broken into pieces, and a strange arrangement of three weathered stone slabs surrounding a bush near a larger single stone, possibly with carvings.

London Earth Mysteries Circle

An account of recent meetings of the London Earth Mysteries Circle is provided. Clive Harper spoke on the 'Straight Track Club' founded by Alfred Watkins, whose book "Early British Trackways" (1921) proposed a theory similar to leys, previously put forward by William Henry Black. The article notes the limited distribution of "Early British Trackways" and the wider acclaim of "The Old Straight Track". An association formed in 1926 circulated folios for members to contribute articles, expecting a five-day turnaround for map and field work.

The Straight Track Postal Club

Further details are given about the 'Straight Track Postal Club', established in the 1930s, with an aim to study road development. Membership was limited, and the subscription was considerable. Major Tyler, the first Hon. Sec., wrote extensively on the subject. The folios were intended as a record of topographical facts. The scale of their field trips is contrasted with present-day moots. Egerton Sykes was thought to be the last surviving member.

A paper from 1929 titled "The Straight Track and Ecology" is mentioned, along with folklore and local interest material. A letter from M.C. Carr-Gomm, secretary from May 1935, is discussed. Carr-Gomm questioned the club's aim of finding alignments 'ad infinitum', suggesting that tracks were not necessarily marked by alignments. He listed several phenomena that argued against the pure Watkins theory, including numerous parallel alignments, tracks of varying lengths, and sites falling on concentric circles.

Skyways and Landmarks Revisited & STAR Fellowship

An account of a talk by Tony Wedd on 'Skyways and Landmarks Revisited' is presented. Wedd, who linked leys with UFOs and earth mysteries, gave this talk in 1968. His theory of skyways and landmarks, along with original slides, were shown. The article also mentions the re-appraisal of Tony's work in Kent and the formation of the new STAR Fellowship.

Celtic Crafts and Cosmic Friends

A notice from 'Celtic Crafts' advertises hand-carved wooden items. Another section introduces 'Cosmic Friends', a booklet by the STAR Fellowship explaining the author's support for 'space people' and detailing incidents and information received through thought communication. The author has practiced thought communication, encouraged by Tony Wedd, which has provided help and guidance.

Future Meetings

Announcements for future meetings include Ken Rees discussing the Celtic fire festival of Lughnasad and David Geall presenting his London Terrestrial Zodiac.

Exchange List

The issue concludes with an exchange list of publications such as 'Quicksilver Messenger', 'Caerdroia', 'Earthquest News', 'Common Ground', 'Fortean Times', 'Northern Earth Mysteries', 'Stonehenge Viewpoint', 'The Pipes of Pan', 'Folklore Frontiers', 'Word Spirit', and 'The Ley Hunter'.

Touchstone Subscription Information

Information is provided for subscribing to Touchstone, published by Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, with details on cost and payment methods. Articles are welcome, as are new members for monthly meetings.

Frensham Leys Diagram

A diagram illustrating 'Frensham Leys' is included, showing various points and alignments, including Waverley Abbey, Devil's Jumps, and Frensham church.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Touchstone" consistently explores themes of ley lines, ancient sites, folklore, and earth mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging research and the sharing of information within the community. There is a clear interest in historical sites, their potential connections to ancient beliefs and practices, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena. The magazine serves as a platform for members to share their findings, theories, and experiences, fostering a sense of community among those interested in earth mysteries.